Maintenance Considerations for Cold Climates

Icy winds, snow drifts, and cold temperatures can wreak havoc on a building

I
have lived in cold climates my whole life and know that if not properly
maintained, your home can take quite a beating. Icy winds, snow drifts,
and cold temperatures can wreak havoc on a building, but only if you
fail to properly prepare.

The Exterior

With months of wet, cold weather, most building materials
will encounter some wear and tear. By keeping your roof properly
patched, gutters clean and repaired, windows sealed, and siding caulked
and painted, you can manage to keep moisture and cold temperatures
outdoors. Weatherproof
seals applied to roofing and deck and patio surfaces can reduce damage
from snow. Be sure to protect your plumbing as well. Insulate outdoor
spickets, be sure your walls are insulated, and turn off outdoor water supplies
before cold air approaches. Don’t neglect your subfloors either. The
floor is typically the coldest place in a home, and installing a radiant heating source
is a great solution to this uncomfortable situation. Be sure to also
insulate exterior gas lines as gas can freeze, denying you heat and hot
water for sometimes days at a time.

The Interior

The key to comfortable indoor living in cold climates is maintaining energy efficiency. First of all, you need to eliminate cold drafts. Replace leaking windows and patch missing insulation. A reliable heat source is a must. Whether it is wood, electric, solar, or gas, you need a system that is energy efficient and cost effective to run.

There
is a certain wild beauty to cold climates. The wet and cold weather
pushes us indoors for the winter, while providing a spectacular
landscape for our entertainment. Winter is already under way, but you
still have time to do those last-minute maintenance items to make your
winter more cozy and relaxing. Request free estimates from prescreened contractors in your area today.